Unusually warm this Christmas with no snow and not even going below freezing!! Temperatures went up to about 12 degrees. No opportunity to use the toboggan run in Park Kościuszki,Katowice (below). Park Kościuszki has existed since 1925, is one of the most famous and frequented parks in Katowice, Poland. It is situated at the street of the same name. Its foundation dates back to 1888 when a municipal park was founded on the 6 ha area of suburban grove. The present area of the park is 72 ha.

The Red squirrel is more lively than usual. They don't hibernate in winter, but lay down stores of food to see them through periods when fresh food is not available. Where they are found in mixed broadleaf and coniferous woodland they have a source of food all year round, as pine seeds are present over the winter months. However, red squirrels have quite a varied diet which includes seeds, buds, flowers, leaves and fruit. They are known to take insects, fungi and birds' eggs. Red squirrels build nests, called dreys, from sticks and moss placed high in the branches. They produce two litters of three to four kittens a year, usually in March and July. The drey is often the first evidence of the presence of red squirrels in a wood. Other signs are chewed pine cone 'cores' (birds leave ragged remains), split hazel nut shells (dormice make a hole to extract the kernel), cut tree shoots and scattered droppings.

Red squirrels can live for up to six years. They are chiefly active during the day and most of this time is spent foraging. Bad weather can seriously hinder this activity and, without food the squirrels can only survive for a few days.

Sources: About Red squirrels Park Kościuszki